Composition for Optical Articles and Optical Articles Made Therewith

ABSTRACT

An exemplary polymerizable thermosetting composition includes the reaction product of (a) allyl alcohol; (b) a cyclic polyol selected from the group consisting of a cycloaliphatic polyol having at least one secondary hydroxyl group, a heterocyclic polyol having primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups, and mixtures thereof; (c) ethyleneglycol bischloroformate; and (d) optionally, at least one linear or branched aliphatic polyol having two to six hydroxyl groups. The allyl alcohol (a) is present in an amount of 0.4 to 1.99 equivalents of OH to 1 equivalent chloroformate, and the cyclic polyol (b) is present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.6 equivalents of OH to 1 equivalent of chloroformate. A reaction product, a polymerizate including the polymerizable thermosetting composition, and an optical article including the polymerizable thermosetting composition are also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.15/258,495, filed Sep. 7, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/215,250, filed Sep. 8, 2015, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a polymerizable composition and tothe polymerizate, which are particularly well suited for opticalarticles.

Technical Considerations

Allyl carbonate monomer compositions can be polymerized to use astransparent coatings, optical lenses, and other optical elements.Diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate) monomer compositions have beenproduced by reacting diethylene glycol with phosgene at temperaturesbetween 0° C. and 20° C. to form the corresponding dichloroformate,which is then reacted with allyl alcohol in the presence of a suitableacid acceptor, for example, pyridine, a tertiary amine, or an alkalineor alkaline earth metal hydroxide. Alternatively, the allyl alcohol isreacted with phosgene. The resulting chloroformate is reacted withdiethylene glycol in the presence of an alkaline reagent.

One problem associated with the polymerization of the known diethyleneglycol bis(allyl carbonate) monomer compositions is the relatively highshrinkage of the polymerized material, which occurs during the course ofpolymerization to the final thermoset polymer. For example, there can bea shrinkage of greater than 13 percent during the polymerization of aconventional diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate) monomer. Shrinkageto such a degree is particularly detrimental in casting operations, suchas those used to produce ophthalmic lenses and ophthalmic lens blanks,where the liquid monomer composition is introduced to a mold and thenpolymerized to the final thermoset polymer. This shrinkage can result incommercially unacceptable products that must be rejected, decreasing theyield of the process.

It is known that shrinkage in the mold may be reduced by introducing aliquid prepolymer into the mold and then polymerizing the prepolymer tothe final thermoset polymer. In this known system, the prepolymer isproduced by partially polymerizing the diethylene glycol bis(allylcarbonate) monomer composition to consume a portion of the polymerizableethylenic double bonds.

Low shrinkage in the mold is favored by utilizing a large number ofpolymerizable ethylenic double bonds during partial polymerization toproduce the prepolymer, which is introduced into the mold. However,during the partial polymerization of the diethylene glycol bis(allylcarbonate) monomer compositions, the viscosity increases aspolymerizable ethylenic double bonds are consumed. For practicalpurposes, the viscosity should not become so high that the resultingprepolymer does not flow reasonably readily into the mold. Viscosity ofthe prepolymer, therefore, provides a practical lower limit to shrinkagein the mold. Production of the prepolymer can also cause processingdifficulties, such as potential gelling of the reactor. It is adisadvantage to pre-polymerize the double bond structure. Productioncosts can be reduced and numerous problems can be avoided by eliminatingthe pre-thickening step.

Another challenge with conventional low shrinkage compositions is thatthey typically have increased length between cross-links, which producessoft polymers.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a reduced shrinkagecomposition that optimizes or improves the balance between the amount ofpolymerization shrinkage reduction and the final polymer's properties,for example, such that the final polymer is rigid enough to be used invarious applications, such as conventional optical applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A polymerizable thermosetting composition comprises the reaction productof (a) allyl alcohol; (b) a cyclic polyol selected from the groupconsisting of a cycloaliphatic polyol having at least one secondaryhydroxyl group, a heterocyclic polyol having primary and/or secondaryhydroxyl groups, and mixtures thereof; (c) ethyleneglycolbischloroformate; and (d) optionally, at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol having two to six hydroxyl groups. The allyl alcohol(a) is present in an amount of 0.4 to 1.99 equivalents of OH to 1equivalent chloroformate, and the cyclic polyol (b) is present in anamount of 0.01 to 0.6 equivalents of OH to 1 equivalent ofchloroformate.

A polymerizate and/or an optical article comprising the polymerizablethermosetting compositions of the invention are also provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a plot illustrating the cure cycle described in Table 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood asbeing modified in all instances by the term “about”. All rangesdisclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning andending range values and any and all subranges subsumed therein. Theranges set forth herein represent the average values over the specifiedrange. The terms “polymer” or “polymeric” include oligomers,homopolymers, copolymers, and terpolymers.

The invention comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of thefollowing aspects of the invention, in any combination.

The present invention relates to a polymerizable composition forpreparing optical articles with reduced shrinkage compared toconventional polymerizable compositions. The present invention alsorelates to polymerizates, e.g., lenses, obtained from the compositions.

For example, the invention can comprise a polymerizable compositioncomprising the reaction product of (a) diethyleneglycolbischloroformate; (b) allyl alcohol; (c) a cyclic polyol selected fromthe group consisting of a cycloaliphatic polyol having at least onesecondary hydroxyl group, a heterocyclic polyol having primary and/orsecondary hydroxyl groups, and mixtures thereof; (d) optionally,ethyleneglycol bischloroformate; and (e) optionally, at least one linearor branched aliphatic polyol having two to six hydroxyl groups.

The amount of allyl alcohol, cyclic polyol, and linear or branchedaliphatic polyol are relative to the total amount of allbischloroformates that are present. For example, allyl alcohol can bepresent in the range of 0.4 to 1.99 equivalent (eq.) of OH to 1 eq. ofchloroformate, such as 0.8 to 1.2 eq. of OH to 1 eq. of chloroformate.For example, a minimum amount of allyl alcohol can be present in therange of 0.4 to 0.7 eq. of OH to 1 eq. of chloroformate.

The cyclic polyol can be present in the range of 0.01 to 0.6 eq. of OHto 1 eq. of chloroformate, such as 0.05 to 0.3 eq. of OH to 1 eq. ofchloroformate.

If present, the optional ethyleneglycol bischloroformate can be presentin the range of 0.01 to 0.99 eq. of chloroformate, given that the totalnumber of equivalents of chloroformate of all bischloroformate compoundsis 1.

If present, the optional at least one linear or branched aliphaticpolyol can be present in the range of 0.01 to 0.6 eq. of OH to 1 eq. ofchloroformate. For example, two aliphatic polyols, ethylene glycol anddiethylene glycol can both be present. For example, ethylene glycol canbe present in the range of 0.025 to 0.1 eq. of OH to 1 eq. ofchloroformate and diethylene glycol can be present in the range of 0 to0.1 eq. of OH to 1 eq. of chloroformate.

For example, the polymerizable composition can also comprise thereaction product of (a) allyl alcohol; (b) a cyclic polyol selected fromthe group consisting of a cycloaliphatic polyol having at least onesecondary hydroxyl group, a heterocyclic polyol having primary and/orsecondary hydroxyl groups, and mixtures thereof; (c) ethyleneglycolbischloroformate; and (d) optionally, at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol having two to six hydroxyl groups.

The amount of allyl alcohol, cyclic polyol, and linear or branchedaliphatic polyol present are relative to the amount of ethyleneglycolbischloroformate that is present.

Allyl alcohol can be present in the range of 0.4 to 1.99 eq. of OH to 1eq. of chloroformate. For example, a minimum amount of allyl alcoholpresent can be in the range of 0.4 to 0.7 eq. of OH to 1 eq. ofchloroformate.

The cyclic polyol can be present in the range of 0.01 to 0.6 eq. of OHto 1 eq. of chloroformate.

If present, the optional at least one linear or branched aliphaticpolyol can be present in the range of 0.01 to 0.6 eq. of OH to 1 eq. ofchloroformate.

For the polymerizable compositions of the invention, the allyl group ofthe allyl alcohol can be substituted or unsubstituted, as represented bythe following general Formula III, H₂C═C(R₇)—CH₂—OH, wherein R₇ ishydrogen, halogen (e.g., chlorine or bromine), or a C₁ to C₄ alkyl group(e.g., methyl or ethyl).

The cyclic polyol can be a cycloaliphatic polyol. For example, thecycloaliphatic polyol can be monocyclic, polycyclic, or fused ringcycloaliphatic polyol. The cycloaliphatic polyol can have at least onesecondary hydroxyl group. The cycloaliphatic polyol can have at leastone hydroxyl group bonded directly to a cyclic ring of the polyol, suchas cyclohexane diol. The monocyclic cycloaliphatic polyol can be acyclohexane diol, for example, 1,4-cyclohexane diol, 1,3-cyclohexanediol, or 1,2-cyclohexane diol; cyclohexane triol, for example,1,3,5-cyclohexane triol or 1,2,3-cyclohexane triol; cyclohexane tetrol;cyclohexane pentol; cyclohexane hexol; or cyclopentane diol, forexample, 1,3-cyclopentane diol or 1,2-cyclopentane diol. The polycycliccycloaliphatic polyol can be, for example, a bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane diol.

The cyclic polyol can also be a heterocyclic polyol. The heterocyclicpolyol can have primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups. Theheterocyclic polyol heteroatoms can be, but are not limited to, sulfur,nitrogen, and/or oxygen. For example, the heterocyclic polyol can be1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate. The heterocyclic polyol can alsobe isohexide selected from the group consisting of isosorbide, isoidide,and isomannide. Isosorbide, isoidide, and isomannide can be D or Lstereochemical configurations. As will be appreciated by one skilled inthe art, one or more than one cyclic polyol can be present in thepolymerizable composition.

The linear or branched aliphatic polyol can be a C₂-C₁₂ polyol with twoto six hydroxyl groups. The linear or branched aliphatic polyol cancontain heteroatoms such as, but are not limited to, sulfur, nitrogen,and/or oxygen. The linear or branched aliphatic polyol can be selectedfrom the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol,propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol,neopentyl glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, glycerol,trimethylolpropane, ditrimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol,dipentaerythritol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol,ethoxylates thereof, propoxylates thereof, and mixtures of any of theforegoing. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, if present,one or more than one linear or branched aliphatic polyol can be used.For example, ethylene glycol can be used alone. Or, for example,ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol can be used together.

For example, the composition can include diethylene glycolbischloroformate in an amount to provide 1 equivalent of chloroformate,allyl alcohol in an amount to provide in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 eq. ofOH, ethylene glycol in an amount to provide 0.05 eq. of OH, andD-Isosorbide in an amount to provide 0.15 eq. of OH.

As another example, the composition can include diethyleneglycolbischloroformate in an amount to provide 1 equivalent of chloroformate,allyl alcohol in an amount to provide in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 eq. ofOH, ethylene glycol in an amount to provide 0.0667 eq. of OH, diethyleneglycol in an amount to provide 0.0667 eq. of OH, and D-Isosorbide in anamount to provide 0.10 eq. of OH.

The equivalents ratio of total equivalents of hydroxyls to totalequivalents of chloroformate can be in the range of 1 to 2:1, such as 1to 1.5:1 or 1 to 1.3:1. The hydroxyls present in the mixture are fromthe allyl alcohol and polyols.

The polymerizable composition of the present invention can furthercomprise an additional component. For example, the additional componentcan be selected from the group consisting of triallylcyanurate,triallylisocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate tris(allylcarbonate), trimethylolpropane tris(allyl carbonate), pentaerythritoltetra(allyl carbonate), glycerol tris(allyl carbonate),ditrimethylolpropane tetra(allyl carbonate), diallylitaconate,dipentaerythritol hexa(allyl carbonate), and mixtures thereof.

The reaction product of the polymerizable composition can comprise atleast one compound represented by:

in which A represents a residue from the at least one cyclic polyol, m′is equal to 1 or 2, and q is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups onthe at least one cyclic polyol; and

(b) at least one of Formula II

in which t is equal to 0 or 1. The reaction product can include amixture of Formula II where t is equal to 0 and t is equal to 1.

The reaction product of the polymerizable composition can also compriseat least one compound represented by:

in which m and n are each independently 1 or 2; and

(b) at least one of Formula II in which t is equal to 0 or 1. Thereaction product can include a mixture of Formula II where t is equal to0 and t is equal to 1.

When at least one linear or branched aliphatic polyol is present, thereaction product of the polymerizable composition can comprise at leastone compound represented by:

(a) Formula I in which A represents a residue from the at least onecyclic polyol, m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and q is equal to the number ofhydroxyl groups on the at least one cyclic polyol; and

in which B represents a residue from the at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol, m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and s is equal to the number ofhydroxyl groups on the at least one linear or branched aliphatic polyol;and

(c) at least one of Formula II in which t is equal to 0 or 1. Thereaction product can include a mixture of Formula II where t is equal to0 and t is equal to 1.

When at least one linear or branched aliphatic polyol is present, thereaction product of the polymerizable composition can also comprise atleast one compound represented by:

(a) Formula I′ in which m and n are each independently 1 or 2; and

(b) Formula II′ in which B represents a residue of the at least onelinear or branched aliphatic polyol, m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and s isequal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one linear orbranched aliphatic polyol; and

(c) at least one of Formula II in which t is equal to 0 or 1. Thereaction product can include a mixture of Formula II where t is equal to0 and t is equal to 1.

The reaction product may also contain higher order oligomers of thecomposition components and/or small amounts of unreacted or partiallyreacted components.

The present invention also provides for a polymerizate comprising thepolymerizable composition, as well as an optical article comprising thepolymerizable composition. For example, the polymerizate can have arefractive index in the range of 1.44 to 1.56, such as 1.47 to 1.53,such as 1.49 to 1.51, such as 1.495 to 1.505. The refractive index canbe measured using n_(e) which is the refractive index measured at 20° C.at the mercury e-line (546.07 nm).

Polymerization of the polymerizable composition of the invention may beaccomplished by adding to the composition an initiating amount ofmaterial capable of generating free radicals, i.e., an initiator.Examples of suitable initiators include organic peroxy compounds.Methods for polymerizing polyol(allyl carbonate) compositions are wellknown to the skilled artisan and any of those well-known techniques maybe used to polymerize the polymerizable compositions of the invention.

Suitable examples of radical initiators that may be used can includeorganic peroxides, such as peroxymonocarbonate esters, such astertiarybutylperoxy isopropyl carbonate; peroxydicarbonate esters, suchas di(2-ethylhexyl) peroxydicarbonate, di(secondary butyl)peroxydicarbonate and diisopropylperoxydicarbonate; diacylperoxides,such as 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, isobutyryl peroxide, decanoylperoxide, lauroyl peroxide, propionyl peroxide, acetyl peroxide, benzoylperoxide, and p-chlorobenzoyl peroxide; peroxyesters such ast-butylperoxy pivalate, t-butylperoxy octylate, andt-butylperoxyisobutyrate; methylethylketone peroxide, acetylcyclohexanesulfonyl peroxide, and mixtures thereof. Suitable initiators are thosethat do not discolor the resulting polymerizate.

The amount of initiator used to initiate and polymerize thepolymerizable compositions of the invention may vary and will depend onthe particular initiator used. An initiating amount of the initiator,i.e., the amount needed to initiate and sustain the polymerizationreaction, may be utilized. However, more than the initiating amount canbe used. For example, the amount of initiator and the consequent curecycle can be selected to produce a polymerizate having a Fischermicrohardness of at least 5, such as at least 10, such as at least 15,such as at least 20. The Fischer microhardness can be, e.g., in therange of 20 to 150. The Fischer microhardness can be determined bytesting according to ISO 14577-07 using a FISCHERSCOPE® H-100SMCavailable from Fischer Technology, Inc. Typically, the cure cycleinvolves heating the polymerizable organic composition in the presenceof the initiator from room temperature up to a temperature in the rangeof 75 to 105° C. over a period of 15 hours to 30 hours.

Various conventional additives may be incorporated into thepolymerizable composition of the invention. Such conventional additivesmay include light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, ultraviolet lightabsorbers, mold release agents, dyes, pigments, flexibilizing additivesthat are not radically polymerizable, e.g., alkoxylated phenol benzoatesand poly(alkylene glycol) dibenzoates, antioxidants such as hinderedphenol antioxidants, and polymerization inhibitors or shelf-lifestabilizers such as 4-methoxyphenol (MEHQ),2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol (BHT), or triphenyl phosphite.Conventional additives can be present in amounts totaling less than 10percent by weight, such as less than 5 percent by weight, such as lessthan 3 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the polymerizablecomposition.

As previously mentioned, the invention is directed to the polymerizatesobtained from polymerization of the polymerizable compositions. Thepolymerizates of the invention can be solid, transparent andsubstantially free of optical defects. Solid articles that may beprepared from the polymerizable compositions of the invention include,but are not limited to, optical lenses, such as plano and ophthalmiclenses, sun lenses or sunglasses.

EXAMPLES Part 1: Preparation of Polymerizable Compositions

For each of the Examples (Table 1) and Comparative Examples (Table 2), a500 ml 5-neck flask was equipped with an overhead mechanical mixer, athermocouple probe, and an inlet for a motorized syringe pump. Eachexample was scaled to a total reaction mixture of approximately 250 g.The quantities listed in Table 1 and Table 2 relate to the reactiveequivalents of each component (specifically, chloroformate andhydroxyl).

A cooling bath was prepared by mixing approximately one part sodiumchloride, two parts water, and four parts ice chunks in a large plasticdish. Dry ice was added periodically to maintain a bath temperaturebetween −15 and −17° C.

The diethylene glycol (bis)chloroformate and, in Example 6, ethyleneglycol (bis)chloroformate was added to the reaction flask. For thefollowing examples, a total of 0.835 equivalents of reactivechloroformate were added.

In accordance with Table 1 and Table 2, for each example and comparativeexample, the indicated relative hydroxy equivalents of allyl alcohol,polyol(s) and/or cyclic polyols were added to the reaction flask with11.5 g CR-39® monomer (available from PPG Industries, Inc.). Any solidpolyols were first pre-dissolved in the allyl alcohol prior to beingadded to the reaction flask.

The reaction components were thoroughly mixed together in the reactionflask and cooled with the ice/salt water bath to an initial temperatureof approximately −2° C.

Vigorous mixing of the reaction mixture was established and a 30% excessof 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide relative to chloroformate was added viaa syringe pump at a rate to maintain the reaction temperature between 10to 15° C., typically over a period of 25 to 40 minutes. After theaddition was completed, mixing was continued for approximately 5 minutesat 10 to 15° C., followed by rinsing the sides of the reactor with asmall portion of water. Mixing was continued an additional 5 minutes,after which the mixture was transferred to a separatory flask to which100 to 135 ml water was added to remove the salt by-products. Themixture was then agitated for approximately 3 minutes and the organicand aqueous phases were allowed to separate. A chloroformate test of theorganic layer was performed using chloroformate test paper(chloroformate test paper, part #1-200-250, commercially available fromDOD Technologies, Inc.). If the presence of chloroformate was indicated,the mixture was stirred an additional 3 to 10 minutes. The phases wereallowed to separate, and the aqueous phase was then removed. The organicphase was again tested for chloroformate; if present, an additionalsmall amount of 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide was added, followed by 3minutes agitation. If necessary, this process was repeated untilchloroformate was consumed.

The organic product was then washed with approximately 100 millilitersof water. The water washing process was repeated until the pH of thewash water was less than 8.

Residual water and other volatiles were removed by vacuum distillationat a pressure of 1 Torr, while the temperature was gradually increasedfrom room temperature to approximately 135° C. The distillation wasmaintained at 135° C. for 25 to 30 minutes at 1 Torr.

The resulting compositions were cast according to the procedure in Part2.

TABLE 1 Curable compositions comprising cyclic polyols. All quantitiesare expressed in terms of either chloroformate or hydroxyl reactiveequivalents Example # Component 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Diethylene glycol 2 2 2 22 1.6 2   (bis)chloroformate Ethylene glycol — — — — — 0.4 —(bis)chloroformate Allyl alcohol 2 2 2 2 2 2   1.7 1,2-cyclohexane-diol  0.4 — — — — — — 1,4-cyclohexane-diol —   0.4 — — — — — isosorbide — —  0.4 —   0.3 0.3 0.3 THEIC¹ — — —   0.4 — — 0.2 ethylene glycol — — — —  0.1 0.1 0.2 ¹Tris (2-hydroxyethyl) Isocyanurate

TABLE 2 Comparative Examples. All quantities are expressed in terms ofeither chloroformate or hydroxyl reactive equivalents. ComparativeExample # Component CE-8 CE-9 CE-10 CE-11 CE-12 Diethylene glycol 2 2 22 2 (bis)chloroformate allyl alcohol   2.4 2 2 2 2 Ethylene glycol —  0.4 — — — Diethylene glycol — —   0.4 — — Trimethylol propane — — —  0.4 — pentaerythritol ethoxylate¹ — — — —   0.4 ¹Pentaerythritolethoxylate (3/4 EO/OH), approximate Mn 270

Part 2: General Casting Procedure

For each example, 20.0 grams of the monomer made in Part 1 and 1.0 gramof TRIGONOX® ADC-NS60 peroxide initiator (a 60% mixture ofperoxydicarbonates in diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate), availablefrom Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals LLC) were placed in a small plasticbottle and thoroughly mixed for approximately 15 minutes with a magneticstirrer. The resulting solutions were each filled into a mold assemblyhaving two flat disk-shaped tempered glass molds (approximately 80 mm indiameter), separated by a 3.4 mm thick, 74 mm diameter PVC gasket andclamped together. The mold assembly was placed in a programmable oven,and each sample was polymerized using the cure cycle described in Table3 and FIG. 1.

TABLE 3 Cure conditions Step Cumulative Hours Temperature 1 0 38° C.(initial) 2 3 38° C. (hold @ 38° C.) 3 12 58° C. (ramp from 38 to 58°C.) 4 13.5 78° C. (ramp from 58 to 78° C.) 5 16 78° C. (hold @ 78° C.) 616.5 75° C. (ramp from 78 to 75° C.) 7 20.5 75° C. (hold)

The resulting flat disk-shaped cured polymer piece was removed from themold assembly and annealed at 80° C. for 30 minutes. Properties weremeasured according to the test methods described below.

Part 3. Determination of Properties

The following properties were measured and are tabulated in Table 4.

3A. Polymerization Shrinkage

The amount of polymerization shrinkage was calculated according to Eq. 1shown below, using the monomer density and polymer density, bothmeasured at 25° C.:

% Shrinkage=[(polymer density−monomer density)/polymerdensity]×100%  [Eq. 1]

3B. Fischer Microhardness (FMH)

The Fischer microhardness was determined by testing according to ISO14577-07 using a FISCHERSCOPE® H-100SMC (available from FischerTechnology, Inc.). The Fischer microhardness of polymerizates (±3Newtons/mm²) was measured at a load of 300 milliNewton (mN), following aload application of 0-300 mN in 15 seconds. The results are anarithmetic average of 5 measurements. Higher Fischer microhardness istypically desirable for improved processing of optical lenses, such asduring cutting, grinding and polishing operations.

DMA Analysis (E′)

The DMA analysis was carried out according to ASTM D5023 “Standard TestMethod for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure(Three-Point Bending)” using a Perkin Elmer Diamond DMA. The storagemodulus measured at 75° C. was reported as “DMA E′ @75° C.”. In general,higher storage modulus (E′) is desirable for improved resistance todistortion during processing of optical materials at high temperatures.

Refractive Index

Refractive index (n_(e)) was measured at 546 nm (mercury e-line) at 20°C. according to ASTM C1648-06, using a Metricon Model 2010M PrismCoupler (available from Metricon Corp.).

TABLE 4 Properties of cured compositions Storage modulus % E′ @Refractive Example # Shrinkage FMH*** 75° C.*** Index n_(e) Example 111.9 89 0.43 1.5012 Example 2 11.8 91 0.42 1.5015 Example 3 10.3 1150.38 1.5014 Example 4 10.6 117 0.48 1.5036 Example 5 10.5 107 0.371.5013 Example 6 10.8 120 0.66 1.5016 Example 7 9.5 117 0.22 1.5017 CE-812.7 95 0.53 1.5015 CE-9 11.6 88 0.35 1.5005 CE-10 11.1 70 0.17 1.4997CE-11 11.5 88 0.34 1.501 CE-12 10.8 57 0.16 1.4997

The results above demonstrate that although acyclic aliphatic polyolscan result in slightly reduced shrinkage, this is often accompanied bysofter films and in some cases much lower storage modulus. The use ofcyclic polyols not only improves shrinkage, but this is accomplishedwithout compromising hardness or modulus.

The invention can be further characterized in the following numberedclauses:

Clause 1. A polymerizable composition, comprising the reaction productof (a) diethyleneglycol bischloroformate; (b) allyl alcohol; (c) acyclic polyol selected from the group consisting of a cycloaliphaticpolyol having at least one secondary hydroxyl group, a heterocyclicpolyol having primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups, and mixturesthereof; (d) optionally, ethyleneglycol bischloroformate; and (e)optionally, at least one linear or branched aliphatic polyol having twoto six hydroxyl groups.

Clause 2. The polymerizable composition of clause 1, wherein thealiphatic polyol (e) is present and comprises a C₂-C₁₂ polyol with twoto six hydroxyl groups.

Clause 3. The polymerizable composition of clause 1, wherein thealiphatic polyol (e) is present and is selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol,1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, neopentyl glycol,2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane,ditrimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, erythritol,meso-erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, ethoxylates thereof, propoxylatesthereof, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.

Clause 4. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 1 to 3,wherein the heterocyclic polyol (c) is selected from the groupconsisting of isohexide, 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, andmixtures thereof.

Clause 5. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 1 to 4,wherein the heterocyclic polyol (c) is isohexide selected from the groupconsisting of isosorbide, isoidide, and isomannide.

Clause 6. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 1 to 5,wherein an equivalents ratio of total equivalents of hydroxyls to totalequivalents of chloroformate is 1 to 1.5:1.

Clause 7. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 1 to 6,wherein the composition further comprises an additional componentselected from the group consisting of triallylcyanurate,triallylisocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate tris(allylcarbonate), trimethylolpropane tris(allyl carbonate), pentaerythritoltetra(allyl carbonate), glycerol tris(allyl carbonate),ditrimethylolpropane tetra(allyl carbonate), diallylitaconate,dipentaerythritol hexa(allyl carbonate), and mixtures thereof.

Clause 8. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 1 to 7,wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compound representedby:

where A represents a residue from the at least one cyclic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

q is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one cyclicpolyol; and

(b) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to 0 or 1.

Clause 9. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 1 to 8,wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compound representedby:

where m and n are each independently 1 or 2; and

(b) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to 0 or 1.

Clause 10. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 1 to 7,wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compound representedby:

where A represents a residue from the at least one cyclic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

q is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one cyclicpolyol; and

where B represents a residue from the at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

s is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one linearor branched aliphatic polyol; and

(c) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to 0 or 1.

Clause 11. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 1 to 7 and10, wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compoundrepresented by:

where m and n are each independently 1 or 2; and

where B represents a residue of the at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

s is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one linearor branched aliphatic polyol; and

(c) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to 0 or 1.

Clause 12. A polymerizable composition, comprising the reaction productof (a) allyl alcohol; (b) a cyclic polyol selected from the groupconsisting of a cycloaliphatic polyol having at least one secondaryhydroxyl group, a heterocyclic polyol having primary and/or secondaryhydroxyl groups, and mixtures thereof; (c) ethyleneglycolbischloroformate; and (d) optionally, at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol having two to six hydroxyl groups.

Clause 13. The polymerizable composition of clause 12, wherein thealiphatic polyol (d) is present and comprises a C₂-C₁₂ polyol with twoto six hydroxyl groups.

Clause 14. The polymerizable composition of clause 12, wherein thealiphatic polyol (d) is present and is selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol,1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, neopentyl glycol,2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane,ditrimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, erythritol,meso-erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, ethoxylates thereof, propoxylatesthereof, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.

Clause 15. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 12 to 14,wherein the heterocyclic polyol (b) is selected from the groupconsisting of isohexide, 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, andmixtures thereof.

Clause 16. The polymerizable composition of clause 15, wherein theheterocyclic polyol (b) is isohexide selected from the group consistingof isosorbide, isoidide, and isomannide.

Clause 17. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 12 to 16,wherein an equivalents ratio of total equivalents of hydroxyls to totalequivalents of chloroformate is 1 to 1.5:1.

Clause 18. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 12 to 17,wherein the composition further comprises an additional componentselected from the group consisting of triallylcyanurate,triallylisocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate tris(allylcarbonate), trimethylolpropane tris(allyl carbonate), pentaerythritoltetra(allyl carbonate), glycerol tris(allyl carbonate),ditrimethylolpropane tetra(allyl carbonate), diallylitaconate,dipentaerythritol hexa(allyl carbonate), and mixtures thereof.

Clause 19. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 12 and 15 to18, wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compoundrepresented by:

where A represents a residue from the at least one cyclic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

q is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one cyclicpolyol; and

(b) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to 0 or 1.

Clause 20. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 12 and 15 to19, wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compoundrepresented by:

where m and n are each independently 1 or 2; and

(b) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to 0 or 1.

Clause 21. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 12 to 18,wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compound representedby:

where A represents a residue from the at least one cyclic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

q is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one cyclicpolyol; and

where B represents a residue from the at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

s is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one linearor branched aliphatic polyol; and

(c) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to 0 or 1.

Clause 22. The polymerizable composition of any of clauses 12 to 18 and21, wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compoundrepresented by:

where m and n are each independently 1 or 2; and

where B represents a residue of the at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

s is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one linearor branched aliphatic polyol; and

(c) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to 0 or 1.

Clause 23. A polymerizate, comprising the polymerizable composition ofany of clauses 1 to 11.

Clause 24. A polymerizate, comprising the polymerizable composition ofany of clauses 12 to 23.

Clause 25. An optical article, comprising the polymerizable compositionof any of clauses 1 to 11.

Clause 26. An optical article, comprising the polymerizable compositionof any of clauses 12 to 23.

Clause 27. A polymerizable composition, comprising a radicallypolymerizable monomer represented by:

where A represents a residue from at least one cyclic polyol,

m′ is equal to 1 or 2, and

q is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the at least one cyclicpolyol.

It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art thatmodifications may be made to the invention without departing from theconcepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Accordingly, theparticular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative onlyand are not limiting to the scope of the invention, which is to be giventhe full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalentsthereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A polymerizable thermosetting composition,comprising the reaction product of: (a) allyl alcohol; (b) a cyclicpolyol selected from the group consisting of a cycloaliphatic polyolhaving at least one secondary hydroxyl group, a heterocyclic polyolhaving primary and/or secondary hydroxyl groups, and mixtures thereof;(c) ethyleneglycol bischloroformate; and (d) optionally, at least onelinear or branched aliphatic polyol having two to six hydroxyl groups,wherein the allyl alcohol (a) is present in an amount of 0.4 to 1.99equivalents of OH to 1 equivalent chloroformate, and wherein the cyclicpolyol (b) is present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.6 equivalents of OH to 1equivalent of chloroformate.
 2. The polymerizable thermosettingcomposition of claim 1, wherein the aliphatic polyol (d) is present andcomprises a C₂-C₁₂ polyol with two to six hydroxyl groups.
 3. Thepolymerizable thermosetting composition of claim 1, wherein thealiphatic polyol (d) is present and is selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol,1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, neopentyl glycol,2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane,ditrimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, erythritol,meso-erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, ethoxylates thereof, propoxylatesthereof, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.
 4. The polymerizablethermosetting composition of claim 1, wherein the heterocyclic polyol(b) is selected from the group consisting of isohexide,1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, and mixtures thereof.
 5. Thepolymerizable thermosetting composition of claim 4, wherein theheterocyclic polyol (b) is isohexide selected from the group consistingof isosorbide, isoidide, and isomannide.
 6. The polymerizablethermosetting composition of claim 1, wherein an equivalents ratio oftotal equivalents of hydroxyls to total equivalents of chloroformate is1 to 1.5:1.
 7. The polymerizable thermosetting composition of claim 1,wherein the composition further comprises an additional componentselected from the group consisting of triallylcyanurate,triallylisocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate tris(allylcarbonate), trimethylolpropane tris(allyl carbonate), pentaerythritoltetra(allyl carbonate), glycerol tris(allyl carbonate),ditrimethylolpropane tetra(allyl carbonate), diallylitaconate,dipentaerythritol hexa(allyl carbonate), and mixtures thereof.
 8. Thepolymerizable thermosetting composition of claim 1, wherein the reactionproduct comprises at least one compound represented by:

where A represents a residue from the at least one cyclic polyol, m′ isequal to 1, and q is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the atleast one cyclic polyol; and (b) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to
 0. 9. The polymerizable thermosetting composition ofclaim 1, wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compoundrepresented by:

where m and n are each 1; and (b) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to
 0. 10. The polymerizable thermosetting compositionof claim 1, wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compoundrepresented by:

where A represents a residue from the at least one cyclic polyol, m′ isequal to 1, and q is equal to the number of hydroxyl groups on the atleast one cyclic polyol; and

where B represents a residue from the at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol, m′ is equal to 1, and s is equal to the number ofhydroxyl groups on the at least one linear or branched aliphatic polyol;and (c) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to
 0. 11. The polymerizable thermosetting compositionof claim 1, wherein the reaction product comprises at least one compoundrepresented by:

where m and n are each 1; and

where B represents a residue of the at least one linear or branchedaliphatic polyol, m′ is equal to 1, and s is equal to the number ofhydroxyl groups on the at least one linear or branched aliphatic polyol;and (c) at least one of Formula II

where t is equal to
 0. 12. A polymerizate, formed from the polymerizablethermosetting composition of claim
 1. 13. An optical article, comprisingthe polymerizable thermosetting composition of claim
 1. 14. Thepolymerizable thermosetting composition of claim 1, further comprisingorganic peroxide.
 15. The polymerizable thermosetting composition ofclaim 14, wherein the organic peroxide is selected from the groupconsisting of peroxymonocarbonate ester, peroxydicarbonate ester,diacylperoxide, and peroxyester.